The Carlow priest -- the youngest in the diocese -- said he had "no confidence" in the process, which he described as "secretive, non-consultative and greatly imbalanced".

He urged Catholic Church leaders to "get their hands dirty" in the name of Jesus.

In a strongly worded attack in his weekly column in the 'Carlow Nationalist', Fr Byrne said he was "cynical and deeply frustrated by the 'no change' mentality" that continues to govern the church.

"The reality is that Rome decides who our next bishop will be. A fundamental in that selection is the 'safe pair of hands' mentality."

Vision

This mentality is to blame for the Catholic Church's lack of vision in Ireland, according to the clergyman.

"A document detailing some of the characteristics that would be necessary in our new bishop has been drawn. However, in truth, regarding the culture of secret letters and private communication, I believe that this PR exercise means nothing to the tall hats in Rome," he fumed.

"There is a fundamental need for fresh, progressive and more authentic leadership in our church," Fr Byrne said.

"This begins at the top of a hierarchical pyramid that belongs to the Middle Ages and has no place in a Gospel-missioned church, fuelled by the Holy Spirit."